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Below are a few of the new laws that became effective January 1, 2015. For those of you who have employees, there are a myriad of new record keeping requirements and I would suggest that you consult an employment lawyer who represents employers. LAWS THAT EFFECT OUR DAILY LIVES Background Checks on Tutors The companies that provide tutors for children must make the process by which the company checks the backgrounds of the tutors it hires to parents. Commercial Automobile Insurance For "Ride Providers" If you provide a ride for members of the public as a driver for a company [...]

Oh so many forms, oh so important to complete! So you want to form a corporation and are deciding whether to hire a lawyer or use an online service.  Ask the customer service representative of the online service if the service: 1.  Prepares Articles of Incorporation 2.  Files Articles with the Secretary of State 3.  Obtains the Employer Identification Number from IRS 4.  Prepares Bylaws 5.  Has Bylaws adopted by Incorporator so that initial directors are properly appointed 6.  Holds the first organizational meeting 7.  Prepares minutes of First Organizational Meeting 8.  Issues shares 9.  Provides any necessary legend on [...]

Ready for anything. Her client let out a big sigh of relief, knowing he could place his legal problem in the hands of his lawyer.  He had not known her long, but from their first meeting she clearly understood the legal implications and quickly and clearly explained what additional information she may need and what all the options might be and how their strategy would depend partly on what the other side might do. Once she understood the issues, she asked him what his goals were.  Did he want a big fight, did he want the fastest settlement even if [...]

It’s that time of year again to consider what new legislation will affect you.  Below is a sampling of some of the laws that became effective with the dawning of 2014. MINIMUM WAGE Labor Code §1182.12 provides that the current minimum wage in California will rise from its current $8 per hour to $9 per hour on July 1, 2014 and effective January 1, 2016, to $10 per hour. Labor Code § 1194.2 and 1197.1 to add additional remedies against employers failing to pay minimum wage. HOME CARE Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act:  Welfare & Institutions Code §1796.10 et. [...]

Every lawsuit has a definite path. First, the complaint is filed by the aggrieved party. Within 60 days it must be served on all other parties. After that, the defendant has 30 days to answer the complaint. The next stage of the lawsuit is “discovery”. During this time, the parties exchange information in a formal written question and answer format (interrogatories) and exchange documents that prove each side’s case (demand for documents and subpoenas) and size up the parties and potential witnesses at oral question and answer sessions (depositions). Depending on the issues involved, there may also be property inspections [...]

Your law practice is also a business. "Practical Considerations in Opening a Law Office" Reprinted with permission from The Road to Independence 101 Women's Journeys to Starting Their Own Law Firms published by the American Bar Association Edited by Karen M. Rockwood, copyright 2011) My name is A. Hillary Grosberg. My practice encompasses business litigation, real estate litigation, creditors’ rights, probate and trust administration and litigation and selected family law cases. Here is how and why I began my own practice as well as business tips focused on a law practice, but useful for anyone. I have been in practice in Los Angeles since 1981. [...]

Watching "Perry Mason" was almost a ritual. “There was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very very good, but when she was bad she was horrid” She grew up to be one warrior lawyer. And it all started on the living room floor at her grandparents’ home where she grew up. Watching Perry Mason with her grandmother was almost a ritual. She didn’t know it then, but the structure and rules of the courtroom spoke to her. The power to change a wrong to a [...]

Don't panic, ask questions. Ask lawyers you know and like. Call a lawyer referral service in your community. Most cities have attorney referral services as part of local bar associations. (You can search the internet for “lawyer referral service in [name of your community]") Call the potential lawyer and ask for a consultation. Ask if there is a fee and if so, the amount and time allotted for the consultation. Before you make your call, write down a short description of your problem. This way the lawyer will be able to tell you if he can help or if you need [...]